New Richmond County Coroner sworn in

Mark Bowen was sworn in this morning as coroner of Richmond County and was surrounded by family, friends, and community elected officials.

Bowen has worked for the coroner's office for 14 years and says he's working to win back the community's trust.

"We want to work with the community, help the community, and be there for the community. We want to be there more than just going in there to pronounce somebody dead, we want to be there for the families to work with the families to assist them in any way we can," he says.

Bowen takes over for Grover Tuten, who is facing charges of theft by taking and violation of oath.

Today friends from GRU and family spoke about Bowen's commitment to the community and his drive to improve the office.

Longtime friend Carl Eubanks of the GRU Tissue Donor Service says he considers Bowen a brother.

"When I look at Mark I see the person that needs to be in this position. This community needs Mark here, we need Mark here. I am very proud to call mark coroner of Richmond County. But I'm more proud to call him my friend," he said to the crowd.

GRU Chaplain Brennan Francois echoed the community theme Bowen is so passionate about.

"He has a desire to meet and to know people. Not just in the difficult times, but throughout all times. He wants to be a coroner who is known, he wants to be a coroner who is known not just for showing up at bad times but a coroner who is there even in the good times," Francios said.

And Mark is ready to serve the people the best that he can.

"I'm just proud to serve the people of Richmond County and look forward to doing a good job for them and let me team get out there and work with them," he says.

Bowen also looks forward to instituting programs for the youth of Augusta to help educate them on the dangers of drinking and driving, drugs, and violence.

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